NAME:

HOMETOWN & CURRENT RESIDENCE:

FAMILY

I am married to John and we have two adult daughters Sara and Samantha. Throughout the years, we have/had many different kinds of furry-four-legged family members, too.

ROLE AT HEALTH FOUNDATIONS

I am happy to be joining the midwifery team! Providing care, with intention, to healthy women and families. Being engaged and present, respectful relationships, being a part of an energized and knowledgeable community. And growing along the way.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND/TRAINING

University of Minnesota graduate with a master's degree in nursing (MSN) within the midwifery program. Almunae of Bethel University for my baccalaureate in nursing (BSN). In 2004, certified as a CNM by the American Midwifery Certification Board to provide full-scope midwifery care. I belong to ACNM on the national and MN affiliate level and am a member of ACNM's consumer committee for the Healthy Birth Initiative. I have completed ultrasound training for early 1st trimester dating of pregnancy and 3rd trimester biophysical profiles and amniotic fluid checks. I have practiced in a variety settings and recently attended in the underserved areas of South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Arizona and New Mexico.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR OWN BIRTH

There is six girls then two boys in my family od origin and I am #4 of 8. My mom, Joyce, tells me she was hanging clothes outside when in early labor. She and dad left for the hospital at 7P or so and I was born at 927P on a warm July Thursday. (I do encourage everyone to know their birth story.)

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT HEALTH FOUNDATIONS

Recently, John and I have started to travel and have magazines galore to plan these trips. I also have two long-time childhood friends, and several siblings, who are terrific to travel with. Our family is planning that "trip of a lifetime" to Ireland in 2016. I also enjoy LIVE theater, community events, walks, gardening, am a foodie while living on the edge with high-wire zip-lining and tandem sky-diving.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO MIDWIFERY?

Being the doula for my sister who had a midwife-attended birth. Both my children were born into a midwife's hands though preparation to become a midwife was delayed to raise my family. (BTW: my family is amazing and they continue to be supportive of all things midwifery!) It was the loss of a young family member that made it clear the only regret I may have in life is not having done those things I've wanted to do.

PHILOSOPHY ON BIRTH

That labor and birth can be calm and peaceful or it can be primal and loud. There is no right way or better way - it is what speaks to a laboring woman. Though birth is the transformative period for she and her family the prenatal and postpartum period are significant, too.

photo from birthingwithoutfear.com

WHAT DO YOU WISH ALL HF FAMILIES KNEW?

I am excited to join HFBC and return to the community I call home while being welcome into a supportive practice that embraces and values relationships.

WHAT ADVICE OR WISDOM CAN YOU SHARE WITH PREGNANT OR NEW MAMA READERS?

There is variation to normal during pregnancy, labor, birth and post-partum. Trust you seek what you need and want. There is a great selection of authors, childbirth workers/birth keepers - find what is essential to you. If you like numbers and stats go to Eugene DeClercq or Henci Goer; Michel Odent for human interactions; Ina May Gaskins, Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth, Sara Wickham, or Rachel Reed of Midwife Thinking; organizational leaders such as the Childbirth Connection, Choices in Childbirth, Coalition for Improving Maternity Services and Improving Birth. Remember our very own local resources, too!